Member Of Commission IV DPR Asks Government To Search For Anambas Island Issues For Sale, Strict Actions On Advertisers

Yudan Island and Kembung Island are sold through the international website www.privateislandsonline.com. (ANTARA/HO)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission IV DPR Daniel Johan responded to the news that four islands in the Anambas Islands Regency were sold through the international property site.

He asked the government to investigate and take firm action against those who advertise the island because this issue concerns the country's sovereignty.

Adapun 4 pulau di Anambas yang ditawarkan di situs jual beli internasionalhttps://www.privateislandsonline.comadalah Pulau Rintan, Mala, Tokongsendok, dan Nakob. Iklan 4 Pulau itu juga disertai dengan embel-embel eco-resort, akses transportasi, dan status ‘siap disewakan jangka panjang’.

"This is a serious problem. How can islands in marine conservation areas be offered to foreign investors openly? This shows that our governance is fragile, and state officials neglect to maintain their own ecological sovereignty," said Daniel Johan, Monday, June 23.

Daniel emphasized that the four islands in question are in the marine conservation zone, where all forms of economic activity must comply with the principles of prudence and ecosystem protection.

In addition, Daniel assessed that the commercialization of this region in a luxury eco-resort' format has the potential to damage the carrying capacity of the environment if it is not strictly controlled and transparent.

"Don't wrap the confiscation of living space with the term environmentally friendly. If the process is illegal, if the local community is eliminated, and if the ecosystem is damaged, then no one will 'eco' from such resorts," he said.

According to Daniel, the issue of selling this island opens a deeper reality that there are still many small islands in Indonesia that do not have administrative clarity, are not yet included in the national land system, and have minimal cross-ministerial supervision.

"This weakness is an entry point for private or foreign parties to claim, lease, and even sell marine areas and islands without state authorization," said Daniel.

The PKB legislator also criticized any indication that the company offering the island was in the process of becoming a Foreign Investment (PMA).

"This is a latent danger. The status of PMA should not be used as a loophole to manage marine strategic areas and conservation. If it is not controlled, then our ecological sovereignty can be capitalized by foreign investors behind administrative legality," he said.

Therefore, Daniel urged the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), the Ministry of Investment, the Ministry of Agrarian and Spatial Planning (ATR/BPN), and the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) to trace the parties advertising the islands.

"The ministries must ensure who gives the right to governance, what is the legal basis, and whether there is a role for local officials or actors who play behind the scenes," said Daniel.

"The government must be firm and explore how islands that are in Indonesia's sovereignty are traded. The state must not remain silent, this concerns the sovereignty and self-esteem of the nation," he continued.

Daniel also requested a strict evaluation of foreign investment in conservation areas. He said private manager permits must be revoked if a conservation area is found to be rented out.

"No PMA should be given permission in areas that have been designated as conservation areas without evaluating the overall ecological, social, and cultural impacts. If necessary, revoke the permit," concluded Daniel.